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1987 GB Lions

The game of the Big If. If only Coach Tate had not resigned at the eleventh hour. If only the team could have had a couple of pre-tournament training sessions. If only the momentum of the qualifying games had not been lost.

If all those things had happened the way they were planned then this six-point loss would have been a considerable victory. As it was this European Championship semi-final was lost before the team stepped out onto the field.

So many changes had been forced on the team which had won so impressively earlier in the year that it was unrecognisable. Lance Cone had to step in as head coach again with many new players and a new administration.

The confidence of the spring disappeared from the entire British party out in Finland as they saw three well prepared countries alongside them. The British team was first in potential, first in player ability and first in experience. They were fourth in organisational terms and that's where they were to finish.

The opening game against Italy was very close. The Italians scored their first and only TD after three minutes and then chipped in with three field goals. Dave Munn of Luton would reply with a field goal of his own and new quarterback Paul Ashton (Manchester Allstars) hit Allan Brown in the endzone to close the gap with just 45 seconds on the clock.

GB v Italy, 1987

When the Italians recovered the onside kick, the game was won as they ran out the clock.

The story of the game (a slow start and a too-late recovery) was mirrored in this third-fourth place game against the home nation. Joe St.Louis proved his ability with three touchdowns including one from 82 yards, but a series of fumbles negated the positives and only a safety forced by Delton Anderson (London Ravens) added to the Lions score.

Meanwhile, the well-drilled Finns kept to a strict running game and were well in control. They led 31-7 at one stage and deserved victory and third place in the competition.

It was an anti-climax for the team to have to complete a two leg tie which they already knew they had won. However, more time together could only add to the team's confidence.

QB Brett Lewis

In front of an estimated crowd of 4,500, a sluggish first quarter was scoreless, but a Lewis pass to Brown opened the scoring in the second period and Ebudideke went in for a second TD shortly afterwards. Richard Meanwell kicked both PAT's and then hit a field goal from 45 yards to give Britain a 17-0 half-time lead.

RB Trevor Carthy

With the result of this game no longer in doubt either, the second half was a stroll with Andy Webb (Bulls) forcing a safety and Spong hitting Andy Harwood (Slough) with an endzone pass for the final score.

Gladstone McKenzie was the game's MVP with 84 yards on 8 carries, but this was truly an all-round performance.

Surprisingly, the match against France was a much easier battle than the previous round against the Netherlands at the tail end of 1986. The GB team had the experience of two games behind them, and were also developing a good team spirit.

By half-time a lead of 32-0 had been built up and the fixture was as good as over. Joe St.Louis (Ravens), Trevor Carthy, Victor Ebudideke and Mark Williams (Bulls) all rushed into the endzone as Mark Spong (Portsmouth Warriors) led the way at quarter-back.

Brett Lewis (Chelmsford) and Chaz Jasicki (Brighton B-52s) also got time in the passing position as Coach Tate experimented with his three QB's. But whatever the formation, the Brits could do no wrong. Lewis scored the fourth TD himself before half-time and then, as every British player got on the field, Mark Wynnick (Ravens), Steve Harvey (Birmingham), Mark Delaney (Ravens) and Allan Brown (Milton Keynes) all scored second half touchdowns. The final two scores were from passes from Lewis.

France scored a solitary safety in the very final minutes. This victory sent shockwaves around Europe and GB were installed as favourites for the 1987 European Nations Championship.